Good afternoon . . .
As members of Congress and workers in the White House and Capitol return to work, two men are in custody for flying their single-engine plane into a "no fly" zone in Washington.
The plane was escorted to an airfield in Maryland by fighters and Blackhawk helicopters. Upon landing the men were taken into custody for questioning.
Reports are the men, Jim Sheaffer and Troy Martin, were on their way to an air show in Limberton NC.
During the alert Capitol guards and Secret Service agents went through the Capitol and the White telling people to leave as quickly as possible. VIPs including Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush were escorted to secure locations in the White House. The president was on a bicycle ride in Maryland during the alert.
During previous alerts, fighters and other military aircraft were not scrambled.
Neither the White House or Pentagon will confirm that the fighters had permission to fire upon the plane.
Two in Custody After Capitol Plane Scare - Yahoo! News
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House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) proposed the House ethics committee give a written "thumbs up or thumbs down" in advance to members who want to take a trip financed by companies or special interests.
According to Hastert the advanced approval would clear up confusion over travel rules. Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) is currently under investigation for taking trips paid for by lobbyists. Under House rules a lobbyist may not pay for a trip. In addition to DeLay many House members, Democrats and Republicans, have been revising or disclosing past travel to clear up any discrepancies. The only House member who believes the rules are different for Democrats and will not disclose or revise reports is Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
Last month Pelosi said that if there were and discrepancies in her travel, it is not as bad as the rules violations by Republican members.
Hastert Proposes New Rules for Travel - Yahoo! News
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On Tuesday a federal bankruptcy judge gave United Airlines permission to terminate its four employee pension plans. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., the federal agency that guarantees pension, will take over the $6.6 billion in obligations. Currently the plans cover 12,000 current and retired employees who will face reductions in their benefits.
Today, House Democrats pounced on the judge's decision by saying the United situation is just an example of how important the current Social Security system is for retirees.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) said that the decision will help American workers "make up their mind and they will join the 60 percent who now oppose what the president is proposing."
Hearings are scheduled Thursday in the House Ways and Means Committee on the president's proposal.
Dems Use United in Retirement Argument - Yahoo! News
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As the current term of the US Supreme Court winds down there are several major decisions anticipated before the close of the term. These include medical marijuana, Ten Commandments displays, and Internet sharing of movies and music.
Lurking in the background is the biggest decision of all. Will the Supreme Court have its first vacancy in over a decade. Speculation is there could be one or two vacancies.
Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist was diagnosed with cancer in October 2004 and has worked minimally at the court while undergoing treatment. His retirement from the Court will begin months of partisanship and complaints from senators and politicians on who should replace Rehnquist. Leading contenders inside the Supreme Court include Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Clarence Thomas. As noted here, my choice would be Scalia. Justice Scalia is one of the best legal minds in the country, but has a reputation for his sharp-tongue during questioning and with politicians. If Justice Thomas were selected it would set-off a firestorm of controversy similar to his appointment by the first President Bush.
The other possible retirement is Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Appointed by President Reagan, O'Connor was the first woman on the high court and has a strong reputation. Court insiders say O'Connor has been discussing retirement for a few years.
Neither Chief Justice Rehnquist nor Justice O'Connor have made their plans public.
Supreme Court Still Has Weighty Issues - Yahoo! News
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Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (R) has signed a law to restrict the availability of cold medicines.
The law approved by the state legislature requires cold medicines that contain ephedrine or psuedoephedrine to be kept in a locked case or behind the counter.
Ephedrine and psuedoephedrine are ingredients used to make methamphetamine. Meth labs are a serious law enforcement problem throughout the state of Indiana.
The law will restrict consumers ability to purchase the product by allowing the purchase of only 100 tablets per week, showing a photo ID, and signing a logbook.
The new restrictions go into effect July 1.
Wisconsin and Oklahoma are others states with similar laws and restrictions.
Ind. Gov. Restricts Cold Medicine Access - Yahoo! News
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More tomorrow.
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